Assisted dying debate shows the need for 'huge improvements' in end-of-life care, says Shropshire MP

A Shropshire MP says the debate over assisted dying has highlighted the need to improve the quality of end-of-life care.

The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill was defeated in the House of Commons on Friday, the second attempt to pass legislation on assisted dying during the past two years.

Mark Pritchard, MP for The Wrekin, said he was pleased the bill was defeated, although he fully respected those who saw the matter differently.

“This has been a complex and sensitive debate,” he said after the vote.

“There were strongly held views on all sides of the house, and I respect those of differing views.

“The debate underscores why there needs to be huge improvements in palliative care. I voted according to my personal conscience and my well-known pro-life beliefs, and voted against the bill.

“I am pleased with the result, but have learned over the reading of this bill, and very much respect those who took a different view to my own.”

He praised his colleagues for a dignified debate which looked at a difficult issue in great detail.

“The debate was heard in full, and the House of Commons as a whole took a view,” he said.

“Today was democracy in action.”